Twenty-four years ago, our family welcomed a new bouncing baby boy into the Manzke clan. Little Ethan was our son Rob’s first child and our first grandson. Everyone in the family was extra excited. I even wrote a column about the new Manzke. I’m proud to say that Ethan has turned into a fine young man.
Quite a few years ago, Ethan found the love of his life, Emma Schulfer. This September, Ethan and Emma tied the knot.
Before the wedding date, friends asked me questions about the upcoming nuptials. I couldn’t tell them anything, not that it was a secret, I just didn’t have information to share. I knew that the ceremony would be on September 6th at YMCA Camp Alexander, Wisconsin Rapids.
I looked up the venue online, I saw a nice banquet hall and cabins that some of the wedding party would be occupying during the Manzke/Schulfer event weekend. If the weather cooperated, the actual ceremony would be outside, overlooking the lake.
My son-in-law, Andy, and daughter Rebecca picked me up at home so I wouldn’t have to drive the two-hour journey alone. When we arrived at Camp Alexander, gray clouds darkened the sky. I wondered if rain would dampen the festivities.
With a lot of planning and hard work, the area around the camp buildings had been transformed by the wedding party. Lumber had been brought in, cemented into buckets, and stood as lamp posts around the outside area. When the cement had hardened, lights were strung from temporary post to temporary post, creating a magical area after nightfall.
Canoes were used as coolers. They were filled with ice and cans of drinks for all ages. A slushy Margarita bar was nearby. Children had to be warned that the slush was for adults, not kids.
A charcuterie table was adorned with all kinds of cheeses, meats, breads, vegetables, just about everything a person would want to nibble on. In another corner of the hall was a table with cookies and cakes. Eventually, a taco buffet fed the crowd of over two hundred people.
Luckily, the cold clouds didn’t rain on the event. At the allotted time, everyone headed down a trail to where the wedding would take place, overlooking the lake.
I started down the path first, knowing I would be walking slowly on the rough terrain. Everyone soon followed and overtook me. My family stayed by my side. They were afraid I might catch my foot on a root or rock and fall. Someone always had hold of my elbow.
The benches at the site were soon filled, and before long, the wedding procession began. I had forgotten to take my cell phone out so I could take pictures, so I hurriedly dug into my purse—of course, many photos were being taken by all in attendance, so I wouldn’t miss out.
Ethan’s mother and father escorted him down the aisle. Emma’s parents were her escorts—these days, mothers are often included.
Emma and Ethan read their prepared vows, bringing tears to their eyes and to many of us witnessing their love. Finally, the new Mr. and Mrs. Manzke were introduced, and we welcomed Emma into the Manzke clan.
I only took a few photos, knowing the professionals would have more.
After family groupings were snapped, we headed back to the building area. There, the food waited for us, music played, and laughter abounded.
I only danced once, with my son Russell. As we swayed to the music, I recalled that the last time I danced was at his and Cynthia’s wedding.
The children, even the little ones, had tons of fun in a bouncy castle. Others were playing corn toss, basketball, volleyball, and miniature golf, all of which were brought in and set up by the wedding party. As the evening progressed, a good-sized campfire was lit. S’mores, and hot dogs would eventually be cooked there.
It was a wedding to remember. Welcome Emma Manzke. You make a great addition to our family.
Susan Manzke, Sunnybook Farm, N8646 Miller Rd, Seymour, WI 54165; sunnybook@aol.com; susanmanzke@gmail.com; www.susanmanzke.net/blog.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Cloudy skies can’t dim wedding as Manzke family welcomes another family member into the fold
Reporting by Susan Manzke / Wisconsin State Farmer
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